Denis Goodwin v The Information Commissioner & Anor

Denis Goodwin v The Information Commissioner & Anor

The Tribunal found that the appellant's requests were not vexatious as they were not unduly burdensome, had a serious purpose and public interest, and did not harass or distress staff. The holistic assessment showed the requests were proportionate and not an improper use of FOIA. The appeal was allowed.

Parties
Appellant: Denis Goodwin; First Respondent: The Information Commissioner; Second Respondent: Liverpool City Council
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
06 November 2024
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Final Judgment
Outcome
Appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Freedom of Information, Vexatious Requests, Public Interest, Access to Information
Information Law Administrative Law Freedom of Information Vexatious Requests Public Interest Access to Information

Case Brief

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Parties

Denis Goodwin

Appellant

The Information Commissioner

First Respondent

Liverpool City Council

Second Respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the appellant's FOIA request was vexatious under section 14(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000
  2. 2 Whether the Information Commissioner and Liverpool City Council correctly applied the law in refusing the request

Ratio Decidendi

The Tribunal found that the appellant's requests were not vexatious as they were not unduly burdensome, had a serious purpose and public interest, and did not harass or distress staff. The holistic assessment showed the requests were proportionate and not an improper use of FOIA. The appeal was allowed.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed

Orders

  • The appeal is allowed.